Fiat aficionados who have kept the marque’s flame burning in the United States have been rewarded by the automaker with a surprise gift: The first opportunity to place reservations for the Fiat Cinquecento “Prima Edizione” (First Edition) model. The announcement came at the Fiat Freak-Out, the 27th annual convention of Fiat-Lancia Unlimited earlier this month in Asheville, North Carolina.

“The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind,” Laura Soave, head of Fiat North America, said in a statement. “For over a quarter of a century, the members of this Club have kept the spirit of the Fiat and Lancia brands alive in North America through their unique and passionate support for true Italian design. We really value their loyalty, and the Prima Edizione is our gift of appreciation to these fans on behalf of Fiat North America.”

The Cinquecento is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. at the end of 2010, becoming the first new Fiat to be sold here since the company’s withdrawal from the American market in 1983. Fiat is offering other fans the opportunity to place their names on the waiting list at a future date by visiting www.ciaofiat.com.